Police in Woodland shut down several businesses in a strip mall early Tuesday after it was believed a suspected burglar was holed up in the attic of the building, but a search later revealed that the man had eluded capture.

The Cottonwood Plaza, located at the corner of Cottonwood and West Cross streets, includes Don's Diner, Launderland, Round Table Pizza and other businesses.

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Police said a burglar broke into the building through the roof at about 4:30 a.m. Officers said they spotted the man, who was wearing a ski mask, as he was running back into the building.

The SWAT team was called to the scene in an effort to flush the man out, but it was later determined that he was no longer in the building.

Police said they believe the man made his getaway by going back into the attic and onto the roof of the Cottonwood Plaza and then on the roof of the adjoining Woodland Joint Unified School District building.

Investigators remained at the scene at noon Tuesday looking for any physical evidence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Woodland Police Department at 530-666-2411.